REVIEW: Recipe for a Homecoming by Sabrina York

Recipe for a Homecoming by Sabrina York is book #2 in The Stirling Ranch series. It stands well on its own.

Veronica James, who usually goes by Roni, spent many summers with her grandmother in Butterscotch Ridge. One of the best parts was spending time with the Stirling family who owned a nearby ranch. She became good friends with Mark Stirling, but then many things in her life changed. She has finally escaped from an abusive marriage and she decides to move back to Butterscotch Ridge to help her grandmother.

Her grandmother has a bookstore, but it’s more of a hobby than a thriving business. Roni sees potential in the old store and adds a bakery/cafe. When Roni sees Mark again she realizes he has grown into a very handsome man. She knows she will have to resist any attraction and relationship with him because her heart is still too tattered.

Mark is surprised to meet up with Roni again after such a long time. She is even more beautiful now. He would love a second chance with her, but realizes he has to go slow and not expect too much.
I loved all the characters from the start. Roni is very vulnerable about relationships, but I admired her willingness to start a business that would help her grandmother and herself. There is nothing better to restore confidence than success.

The Stirling family is the type of family everyone dreams of. They are close and loyal. I remember Sunday dinners from years ago and miss them with busier lives and distance. Mark is hardworking and loves his family. He is able to show patience and tenderness towards Roni.

The setting is lovely with a small town atmosphere and a ranch. I love the convenience of the suburbs, but there is something peaceful about more cozy, isolated areas.

It’s easy to see why Sabrina York has many fans. The flow and pacing of this novel is just right. I look forward to the next book in the series and future works by this fabulous author.

Book Info:

Publication: September 28, 2021 | Harlequin Special Edition | The Stirling Ranch #2

She’d sworn off love. But can he heal her battered heart?

To heal from the wounds of her abusive marriage, Veronica James returns to her grandmother’s bookshop in small-town Butterscotch Ridge. The first thing she does is transform the dusty old shop into a cozy bakery/café. The second? Steel her heart against the charms of her first love, sexy rancher Mark Stirling. He’s never stopped longing for a second chance with the girl who got away—and he’s willing to accept whatever Roni is willing to give. But when their “friends with benefits” deal reveals emotions that run deep, maybe Mark can convince her that together they’re the perfect blend.